Gas dispensing device



May 21, 1946. H. L. NORWAY GAS DISPENSING DEVICE Filed Oct. 18, 1940 Patented May 2l, 1946 2,400,569 GAS DISPENSING DEVICE Harold L. Norway, Evanston, Ill., Bastian Blessing Co., Chicago,

tion o! Illinois assigner to The Ill.. a corpora- Appllcation etober 18, 1040, Serial No. 361,682

(Cl. 02l) 27 Claims.

The present invention relates generally t liquefied petroleum gas dispensing systems and more particularly to the type oi installation in which the storage tank is buried underground where heat present in the ground assists in vaporizing the gas. The embodiment representing the present invention is somewhat similar in certain respects to those shown in the copending William C. Buttner applications iil'ed May l, 1939, Serial Numbers 271,089 and 271,090, reference to which is hereby made to the extent that a similarity of parts existibetween the respective embodiments of the inventions.

The petroleum product employed in the system with which the present invention is concerned, is preferably of the paraflln series, such as butane or propane, or both, and the storage of this iuel is in the form of a liquefied gas which is then vaporized for use in a household appliance.

One way of vaporizing the liquefied gas is the so-called "batch" system in which the vaporization is carried on in the storage tank and the vapor is withdrawn as a gas from the tank. The other way of vaporizing the liquefied gas is the so-called h" system in which the liquefied gas is withdrawn as a liquid from the tank and passed through a pressure reducing regulator which causes the liquid to ash into gas.

Wherever the vaporization takes piace, heat units are absorbed from surrounding parts and in the batch systems, this refrigerating action is largely expended in the tank whereas with the flash system the heat absorption is concentrated in a comparatively small space, namely around the regulator and the conduits leading therefrom.

Although the present invention will improve vaporization for both systems, it is shown for purposes of illustration in connection with a flash system where heat supply and transfer conditions are found to be more severe.

It is one of the objects of the invention to provide an improved apparatus and arrangement for the vaporization oi liquefied gas, and for the re-vaporization or any gas that condenses in the service main.

A further purpose of the invention ls to locate in heat conducting contact with an earthwarmed liquid, those parts of the system which are subjected to the reirigerating effect of vaporization. Furthermore, to locate the vaporization regulator where it will be supplied with heat from a convectively circulating body of liquid, preferably the stored liquefied gas. which is exposed to heat from a surface area of earth greatly in exom oi' the surface area ot parts refrigerated, and more particularly to dispose the vaporlzation regulator in heat transfer contact with the wall of a container where the wall is largely submerged by an anti-freeze liquid, l. e.. a liquid which will not freeze in the expected range of temperatures below the ireezing point of water, which liquid is exposed to ground heat so as to prevent excessive frosting and to defrost the regulator rapidly alter heavy withdrawal o! gas has taken place through the service main.

Another object of the invention is to provide a tank system which is simple in construction and easy to make. More particularly, to provide a tank system in which the parts thereof may be assembled in an improved and time saving manner, and. in this connection, to provide a construction wherein the vaporizing assembly may be installed as a unit in the storage tank, as for example. by inserting the unit through an opening ln the wall of the tank.

A further purpose is to provide a tank assembly which can be built as a complete unit at the factory, shipped with minimum danger of damage in transit, and placed in operation readily and easily by connecting the unit to a service main.

It is also an object ol' the invention to provide a tank system of the class described characterized by an arrangement wherein the withdrawal conduit is disposed below the top oi the tank preferably throughout its length, and as a corollary, is insulated from freely circulating atmosphere.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved filling arrangement for a liquefied petroleum gas system and liquid level gauge, and provide a system which can be standardized and adapted with equal ease for use as a batch or flash system.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved unitary head for a stand-pipe, and further to provide a slip tube gauge arrangement which will not clog and can be easily manufactured and operated.

These being among the objects of the present invention, other objects will become apparent from the drawing, the description relating thereto, and the appended claims.

Fig. 1 is a side elevation partly in section illustrating an embodiment oi the invention in its preferred form.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged transverse section taken upon the line 2-2 in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a further enlarged longitudinal fragmentary section taken upon the line 3-3 in Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a plan view oi' the cover for the wall or cavity in the end of the tank, and

Fig. 5 is a section showing the improved construction of the head and the slip tube, nonclogging gauge construction.

As already mentioned, the invention is illustrated in connection with the flash system of vaporization wherein liquefied gas is forced from the storage tank by the vapor pressure of the stored fluid gas and is passed through a first stage regulator which reduces the pressure whereby the liquefied gas is vaporized and the resulting vapor is then conducted lthrough a second regulator where it is reduced to the service pressure of 6 ounces per square inch.

In the drawing, a storage tank is indicated at II as buried in the earth I2 below the frost line I3 normally expected to exist in the region where the installation is made.

Standpipc construction A standpipe I4 is provided as mounted by a welded connection I5 where it extends through an opening I8 in the wall of the tank II. The standpipe comprises an outer casing I1, an intermediate pipe or vent tube I8, a tubular member 2| of a slip tube assembly 22 and a head 23.

The casing I1 supports the head 23 as threaded thereto by taper threads 24 and the vent tube I3 is suspended from the head by threads 25 in a position preferably concentric to the casing I1. 'Ihe space between the tube Iii and casing I1 is as narrow as possible and the inside diameter of the tube I8 is as large as possible, the relative sizes being determined in relation to the amount of liquid expected to be transmitted between them during a lling operation and the size of a delector on the tube I8 which will be described later. In this way, the incoming replenshing liquid is spread into the form of a thin, cylindrical liquid column and the interior of the vent tube is large enough to prevent entrainment of splashed liquid. Preferably, the cross sectional area of the liquid column is larger than the area of the tube I8.

'I'he vent tube I8 extends through the hollow interior 26 of the head 23 to connect with a lateral conduit 21 closed at its outlet end by an automatic closing or stem operated vapor return or pressure equalizing valve 28. The space 3i between the casing I1 and the tube I8 opens into a conduit 32 which is closed at its outer end by an automatic closing or stem operated ller valve 33. The valves 33 and 28 open when iller and vent supply hoses respectively (not shown) are connected thereto and liquid is passed to the tank.

Concentricity of the casing I1 and tube I8 enables the operation of threading the head 23 with dirl'erent threads to be performed in a single operation, both threads having the same lead.

The vent tube I8 extends down into the tank II and serves as a frictional skin carrier for the descending cylindrical column of replenishing liquid. However, in providing a quiescent area below the mouth 34 of the vent tube I8, a ilexible conical bell-like deector 8l is provided as made of Duprene and secured to the pipe below the mouth 36 of the casing I1 in any suitable manner, whether by a tight ilt as shown, or a threaded collar (not shown). In this way, the incoming stream of liquid is tanned out to such an extent that little, if any. surface turbulence is caused in the tank.

Slip tube gauge The slip tube gauge 22 is an improved one as designed to serve several functions; that otherwise would require additional parts. The slip tube gauge illustrated functions as will be described later, in detecting any level of liquid in the tank, and when drawn to its extreme upper position, functions in cooperation with the vent tube I8 to warn when the maximum rated or ll level for the tank has been reached, and simultaneously therewith, permit the servicing of the packing around the tube.

The slip tube gauge 22 as shown in detail in Fig. 5, comprises the tubular member 2i slidably mounted to slip up and down through a body 33 as sealed with respect thereto by a packing 4I compressed by a gland nut 42. The lower end of the body 33 is machined to provide a valve seat as at 43 and is externally threaded at 44 with a tapered thread which is received in the top of the head 23 where it establishes a seal when tightened.

The tubular member 2| comprises an upper pipe 46 and a loweq pipe 41, both threaded into an intermediate connecting collar 48 which carries on the upper side thereof, a. washer 5I engaging a seat 43 when the slip tube is raised to its upper limit. Thus, when the washer 5I is raised against the seat 43, such provides a means whereby the compartment in which the packing 4I is located is relieved of tank pressures so that the packing 4| can be replaced or repaired whenever desired.

The length of the lower pipe 41 is such that when the Washer 5I engages the seat 43, the mouth 52 thereof is drawn up into the vent tube I8 and above the intended maximum rated level for the tank. In this Way the washer 5I and collar 48 serve not only as a means whereby the packing 4I can be replaced with safety, but also serves as a stop determining the upper limit of movement of the slip tube gauge.

The upper end of the gland nut 42 is provided with one of the cooperative elements of a. bayonet joint 53 and the head 54 shown threaded to the upper end of the slip tube member 2| as at 55. is provided with the other element of the bayonet joint 53. In this way, upward creeping of the gauge under tank pressure is prevented. The head 54 has a threaded chamber 58 therein separated from the tube member 2| by a partition 51. A hole 5B is drilled through the partition 51 concentrically with respect to the threads in the wall of the chamber and a vent plug assembly 8| carrying a pin 62 surrounded by a washer 63 is threaded into the threaded chamber. The plug and pin are so constructed and arranged that the pin 82 preferably extends through and beyond the hole 58 at al1 operative positions so that it serves to provide an annular now area for fluid through the hole 58 which is very dilcult to obstruct by loose particles as compared with a conventionally open small drill hole. The pin, by extending through the hole, also serves as a means for cleaning the hole. A laterally extending passageway 65 leads from 4the chamber 58 near the bottom thereof so that gas or liquid may be discharged therethrough when the slip tube gauge is operated to determine the level of the liquid in the tank.

In testing for the liquid level in the tank with the slip tube gauge, the tube is raised to its upper limit, the vent plug 6l is loosened until the hiss o! escaping Sas informs the operator that the gauge is in operation. The tube is then pushed clown slowly until liquid discharges from the vent hole at which time a reading is taken from the calibrated markings on the outer surface of the tube and by these, the liquid level is determined. The vent plug is then tightened and if there is no further use for the tube, the tube is lowered and again locked in place by the bayonet joint. The vent plug is provided with a T-handle 6B to aid in its manipulation and a protecting cap Il is threaded to the body 3B as sealed by a washer. which closes the vent hole 1| in the body 38. Thus, when the cap B1 is initially loosened, any discharge of fluid serves as a warning that the slip tube gauge has been leaking and the hole 'Il vents trapped pressures which otherwise would blow the cap against an operator.

Referring now to that part of the operation of the slip tube gauge which relates to its function as a means for determining when the maximuni rated level has been reached during the lilllng operation, it has been mentioned that the position of the slip tube gauge for this purpose is its upper limit where the mouth `52 of the gauge is disposed up inside the vent trube I8 a spaced distance above the maximum rated level, which. in the particular embodiment, is represented by the position of the mouth 315 of the vent tube IB in the tank.

As preliminary to an understanding of this arrangement, it would be well to note at this time some of the physical characteristics of liquefied petroleum gas which have been overlooked in the design of several conventional constructions.

Tanks such a. the storage tank li are serviced and replenishedsfrom a supply tank on a truck. After being placed in operation, the uid contents oi both or these tanks above the liquid level is a condensible vapor, The pressure existing in the tank is the vapor pressure of the huid at the existing temperature, or in other words, that pressure where vaporization and condensation balance each other at the temperature of the tank.

Thus, when the supply tank (not shown) is connected to the standpipe by hose, the pressures in the two tanks will equalize except for the hydrostatic head resulting in the diii'erence of the levels of the two bodies or liquid. This head will increase the pressure in the lower tank above the vaporlzation-condensation balance existing. and

condensation will tend to take place in the lower i tank.

This result is unaffected by the presence or absence of a vent tube and takes place whether any vent tube that happens to be provided, extends into the tank a short distance or not.

As conventionally lled and in order to accomplish a rapid filling the supply tank and the ground tank are generally connected so that vapor displaced in the storage tank by incoming liquid will be conducted to the supply tank to replace with vapor the volume ol liquid drained therefrom. The vent tube will become a liquid standpipe having a hydrostatic head the same as that of the supply tank. From this time on, the unbalanced pressures due to the two hydrostatic or artiilcial heads, particularly if the supply tank is warmer than the storage tank. will cause vapor trapped in the storage tank to condense until there is no more vapor there and the tank is filled completely with liquid.

In conventional systems either the mouth of the slip tube is relied upon to contact directly the rising liquid level in the tank, in which case splashing causes many false warnings to be made since the size of the slip tube is small enough to entrain liquid with the gas, or, the vent tube is separated from the slip tube in which case whichever one has the lower mouth in the tank functions flrst before the other completes its intended function.

However, with the present invention, and the arrangement made between the slip tube member 2l and vent tube IB, the slip tube gauge will warn the second that the hydrostatic head begins to form, since the mouth of the slip tube gauge is disposed where the hydrostatic column begins to form.

Thus, the present invention provides an improved iilling device which more accurately assures the correct filling of the tank in a new and improved manner without any increase in the cost of equipment. but rather through the construction and arrangement of the tubes, casing and head, provides a less expensive structure to manufacture and maintain.

Moreover, with the present invention, if the vent pipe iills before a shut-off is had, the hydrostatic head will immediately clear itself alter the filling is completed and the level of the liquid therein will assume the level of the liquid in the tank. Thereafter, the slip tube will have sufficient play between its upper limit and the level of the liquid to check accurately the level of the liquid even though the tank is overfllled and the level of the liquid is well above the mouth cf the vent tube, In fact, the upper level of the slip tube mouth 52 could be above the top of the tank, if need be, in those installations where shutoff conditions in the filling operations are difllcult to control. An accurate test under any of these conditions could be made With the present construction.

A safety valve is mounted upon the head 23 as indicated at 39 and a pressure gauge is mounted as at 40 so disposed on the side of the head 23 opposite the illling and vent connections 33 and 28 as to be removed as far as possible from the damage during the filling operations, yet be in full view.

Protection for the head 23 and parts attached thereto is provided by encasing the head in a concrete vault i9 that is buried below the surface of the earth where it is filled with burlap or the like, if desired, and covered by a reinforced concrete cap 50 secured in place against tampering as by bolts 59.

Unitary tank assembly The tank Il comprises a central cylindrical portion 8| having heads 82 butt welded thereto as at B3. One of the heads 82 has an opening in it, such as the opening indicated at 83, which is of sufficient size to receive therethrough, a unitary assembly B4, that can be secured permanently in place after insertion to provide a unitary tank assembly that can be shipped in commerce with minimum danger o! damage.

The unitary assembly 84 in the present embodiment of the invention comprises a shell 85 forming a well 86 in the end oi the tank and carrying on a wall 81 thereof an elongated vaporization coil 88 and an eduction tube 9|, both of which extend through the wall B1 and are suD- ported thereby in sealed relation by welds indicated at 92.

The coil 80 and eduction tube 0| are mounted upon the wall 01 before the shell l0 is slipped through the end of the tank and are so constructed and arranged that their widest overall dimension clears the opening 02.

After the coil 88 and tube 9| are mounted upon the wall 01 the shell 05 is slipped into place and an outwardly extending flange 02 thereon engages the head 02 marginally around the opening 02 where it is welded in place by a weld line 0l.

An excess ilow check valve 95 is provided in the eduction tube 9|, and, to the flange 00 of the excess now check valve is connected a shutoff valve 81 which opens through a pigtail or tube 99 to a first stage regulator 98 that is disposed preferably in contact with the wall of the shell 85 as shown at |0|. In this way, fluid is carried from the interior of the tank to the first stage pressure reduction and it may be noted at this time that the point at which the eduction tube 8| is secured to the shell 85 is at a mean point which permits the eduction tube 9| to be disposed downwardly to educt liquid, or disposed upwardly as shown by the broken line |02, to educt vapor from the tank. In the first instance, the system would function as a flash system and in the second instance the system would function as a batch system.

The low pressure side of the regulator 80 may be connected directly to a service main leading away from the tank or as shown in its preferred form, is connected to one end of the coil 88 so that chilled fluid leaving the regulator is subjected to the warmth of the liquid in the tank. The coil at its other end is connected to the service line |03 as controlled by manual shut-olf valve |04.

By disposing the regulator 88 in the well Il, it is located in a compartment where the refrigerating action taking place is readily dissipated by the warmth of an anti-freeze solution exposed to the heat of the earth.

In order that the regulator 88 will not be permitted to freeze, the vent tube is provided with a glycerin cup |00 to prevent a freezable liquid, such as water, from entering or condensing in the regulator, and further, in order to prevent the outlet conduit of the coil 88 from being chilled, a sleeve |01 of heat insulating material is placed thereon as held in place by the valve After the valves and regulator are installed at the factory, the well 86 is covered, but preferably not sealed, by a cover-plate |00 which is secured in place by bolts threaded into L- brackets ||2 welded upon the inside to the shell 85 at suitable points. An outwardly ared portion ||3 is stamped or otherwise provided in the cover |00 to protect the cutoff valve |04 from injury in transit and in the ground and also to receive in a sliding fit Ill a pipe ||0 which extends up and into the concrete vault 09. A shaft IIS is disposed in the pipe H5 as packed by insulating material ||1 to operate the cutoff valve |02 by means of a handle |||l at the upper end thereof where it is accessible in the vault 49.

Suitable supports are provided for the various parts and one of these comprise a supporting member |2l close to the valve |00 so that rough handling of the handle |l in the vault will not loosen any of the Joints by which the valve |00 is connected to the coil 00 and the service line |03. Furthermore, lugs |22 are provided at the unsupported end of the coil 80 and so arranged as to interlock with each other when the unit is inserted through the opening l2. The lugs |22 support the free end of the coil against inertial strains due to shocks in transit which might spring the coil and loosen it where it is supported upon the shell 80.

The service main |02 leads from the valve Ill into the cellar |22 or space below the ilrst floor |24 of a dwelling. The main |02 when necessary, passes through the foundation |25 at an opening such as that indicated at |20 where it is sealed against the passage of moisture by an annular member |21 preferably made o! a workable dense material which can be packed into place. From the main |02, which is preferably sloped toward the tank the vapor is carried upwardly by a riser |22 which leads to a manual cutoff valve |3| mounted on a bracket |22 which supports a shelf |32 upon which is disposed a pressure reducing valve |24 that is connected to the cutoff valve III by a pigtail |30.

The pressure regulator |3I reduces the vapor to the service pressure of 6 ounces per square inch and the gas is then delivered to an appliance (not shown) by an appliance conduit |00.

A vent tube |31 for the regulator |30 is inclined downwardly throughout its length to drain away from the regulator any moisture collected therein and has on the mouth thereof, an insect screen |38.

Operation In operation, once the tank has been filled as already described. a vapor pressure is developed therein by the heat received from the earth and fluid is passed into the regulator 00 where it flashes into vapor, or in event the tluid is vapor already, the regulator 08 reduces the pressure thereof for the service main |03, either to the 6 ounce per square inch pressure, in absence of a regulator such as |36, or reduces the pressure to a higher pressure which is then reduced by a second regulator |30 to the service pressure of 6 ounces per square inch.

Ii' the system is functioning as a. flash system. the flashing of the liquefied gas into vapor at the regulator 92 creates a refrigeration action at this Point which absorbs heat from the regulator body and associated parts. The regulator 98 in turn, is in contact with a wall oi' the shell 20 where it is submerged below the liquid stored in the tank. The wall will chili and liquid will circulate convectively to carry heat absorbed from the earth to the wall to replace the heat taken by the regulator 00 and thereby assist in supporting the vapor phase of the fuel gas developed. Thus, with the tank in contact with the relatively warm earth over a large area and the regulator in heat exchange contact with a wall submerged in the anti-freeze fluid having a high heat content, suilicient heat is conveyed to the regulator to relieve the refrigerating effect taking place at this stage.

Under extra heavy flows of gas, the coil l0 in the tank assists in the initial vaporization and where extreme outside cold might condense the gas in the riser |20 revaporization is had in the coil 88 through the relatively abundant supply of heat available in the liqueiied gas.

Moreover, with the particular arrangement oi' the valves shown, in event an emergency takes place such as by fire in the dwelling, the valve |04 and handle ||8 provide an outside cutoff. This arrangement provides for a single control point for all outside operations of the tank including a shut-ot! in the service main without subjecting the eduction conduit to atmospheric temperature.

And. having thus described the invention, it will be apparent that the present invention is readily adaptable to function in various Vaporizing systems known in the art.

For these reasons, the present invention provides an improved liqueed gas dispensing apparatus within the intent and purposes of the objects stated and although in some respects it is dilcult to account fully for the improved results which are obtained by the method and apparatus, described, it is to be understood that any attempt to analyze the theories which are believed to be responsible tor the new and improved results are to be construed not as dening a mode of operation, but merely as a possible explanation oi certain physical phenomena which have been observed. Therefore, although a certain preferred embodiment of the present invention has been shown and described herein and ways have also been suggested by which the present invention may be utilized in various systems of vaporiza-` tion, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that Various and further uses, modlilcations and changes may be made without departing from the spirit or substance of the invention, the scope of which is commensurate with the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a liquefied petroleum gas dispensing srstem having a storage tank buried :low the frost line, a service conduit leading from the tank to an appliance, means for introducing fuel into the conduit at a reduced pressure, said means being in contact with the tank at a point below the fill level of the tank, means providing an air space around the rst means sealed from the atmosphere by earth, means for iilling the tank remote from said first means, and a coil forming a part of said conduit between said first means and appliance and disposed inside the tank.

2. In a liqueiied petroleum gas system having a subterranean storage tank receiving heat from the ground and adapted to be illled from above the ground, a delivery conduit a portion of which is disposed below the top of the tank, said conduit including a dip tube for receiving liqueed petroleum gas under pressure, a pressure reducing regulator in heat exchange contact with the tank below the i'lll level of the tank and receiving liquid from said tube, and filler material between the regulator and the ground level to prevent atmospheric air from circulating in contact with the regulator, said regulator being accessible when the filler material is removed.

3. In a liquefied petroleum gas system having a subterranean storage tank receiving heat from the ground, a cavity in the tank, a delivery conduit comprising a dip tube for withdrawing liquid fuel from the tank, secured to a wall of the cavity, a pressure reducing regulator in heat exchange contact with a wall ci the cavity, and a second pressure regulator reducing the gas to a usable pressure at a point of use.

4. In a liquefied petroleum gas system having a subterranean storage tank receiving hea: from the ground, a recess in the tank dened by a wail, a delivery conduit communicating with the tank and extending to a point of use, said conduit cornprising a dip tube mounted on the wall of the recess for removing liquid from the tank, a pressure reducing regulator disposed in said recess in heat receiving contact with the wall thereof and a coil mounted on said wall and disposed in said tank.

5. In a liqueed petroleum gas system having a subterranean tank receiving heat from the ground, a service conduit means for vaporizlng a liquefied petroleum gas and having a portion disposed below the top of the tank, said conduit comprising a dip tube for withdrawing liquid from a body of liquid under pressure in the tank, a pressure reducing regulator in heat exchange contact with said tank, below the fill level of the tank, illler material between the regulator and the ground level to prevent atmospheric air from circulating in contact with the regulator, saidregulator being accessible when the filler material is removed.

6, In a liquefied petroleum gas system having a subterranean tank receiving heat from the ground, a well in said tank defined by a wall, a service conduit for vaporizing a liquid petroleum gas leading from the wall and comprising an eduction tube mounted in the wall of the well at the vertical center of the tank for withdrawing rluid from the tank, a pressure reducing regulator in the well in heat receiving contact with said wall below the fill level of the tank, a coil mounted on the wall and disposed in said tank, a cover for the well, filler material between the cover and the ground level to prevent atmospheric air circulating in contact with the regulator, said regulator being accessible when the filler material and cover are removed.

7. ln a liquefied petroleum gas system having a subterranean tank receiving heat from the ground, a walled well in the tank, a service conduit for vaporizing a liquefied petroleum gas comprising a dip tube mounted upon the wall of the well for withdrawing liquid from a body of liquid fuel under pressure in the tank, a pressure reducing regulator in heat receiving contact with Said wall below the lill level of the tank, a cover for the well providing a space between the regulator and the earth and filler material between the cover and the ground level to prevent atmospheric air circulating in contact with the regulator, said regulator being accessible when the filler material and cover are removed.

8. In a liquefied petroleum gas system having a subterranean tank receiving heat from the ground, a service conduit for vaporizing a liqueed petroleum gas comprising a dip tube for withdrawing liquid from a body of liquid iuel under pressure in the tank, a pressure reducing regulator in heat transfer contact with said tank below the illl level thereof, a coil disposed in said tank, means providing a space between the regulator and the earth including a cover plate, and ller material between the cover plate and the ground level to prevent atmospheric air circulating in contact with the cover plate, said regulator being accessible when the ller material and cover plate are removed.

9. A tank construction for a system of the class described comprising a container having an openlng in a wall thereof, a flanged well marginally sealed in said opening. brackets secured at the mouth of the well, a removable cover plate for the well secured to said brackets, and a regulator mounted in said well in communication upon one side with the interior of the tank and upon the other side with a service main.

l0. For use in combination with a liquefied petroleum gas system, a well shaped housing, a coil secured to a wall of the housing, a withdrawal tube secured to a wall of the housing, a regulator disposed in the housing and interconnecting said tube and one end oi' the coil.

ll. A fu fl system comprising a tank buried underground and having a standpipe, a compartment surrounding a part of said standpipe. a housing separated from said compartment by heat insulation comprising earth material, said housing enclosing a regulator and manual shutoi valve, and means for operating said shut-ofi valve from said compartment.

12. In a unitary tank assembly for storing liquefied petroleum gas a coil disposed in the tank and secured at one end upon a wall of the tank, a lug upon the coil at the other end thereof and a secured lug upon the tank cooperating with the first lug to support the coil against rupturing said securement of the coil under shocks to the tank in transit.

13. For use in combination with a liquefied petroleum gas system, a well shaped housing receiving heat from the earth, a conduit secured to a wall of the housing including a withdrawal tube secured to a wall, a. regulator disposed in the housing to receive heat from the earth and interconnecting said tube and one end of the conduit.

14. In a liquefied petroleum gas dispensing system having a storage tank buried below the frost line, a service conduit for conveying fuel to a place of consumption, means for eductlng fuel from the tank in its liquid phase. means interconnecting the eduction means and said conduit for receiving fuel from the eduction means and introducing it into the conduit at a reduced pressure, said pressure reducing means including a valve body disposed in heat exchange relationship with the contents of the tank below the fill level of the tank.

15. In a liquefied petroleum gas system having a storage tank receiving heat from the earth to maintain a working pressure in the tank when liquefied gas in its liquid phase is present in the tank, a regulator receiving heat from the contents of the tank, means for educting fuel from the tank and delivering it to the regulator, conduit means connected to the regulator and extending from said regulator to a point of use including a section receiving heat from the contents of the tank, and means for insulating the regulator from direct heat exchange with the atmosphere.

16. In a liqueed petroleum gas system having a subterranean storage tank receiving heat from the ground, a compartment on a wall of the tank within the conilnes of the tank, a delivery conduit comprising a, dip tube for withdrawing liquid fuel from the tank and a conduit means having a portion thereof disposed in said compartment, a pressure reducing regulator in said conduit means in heat exchange relationship with the contents of the tank, and a second pressure regulator in the delivery conduit for reducing the gas to a usable pressure at a point of use.

17. In a liqueded petroleum gas system the combination of a. tank constructed to hold liquid therein and to receive heat from the earth, a regulator disposed to be in heat exchange relationship with liquid present in the tank, conduit means connected to the inlet of the regulator. and a second conduit means connected to the outlet of the regulator and extending from said regulator to a point of use including a coil adapted to be submerged by liquid present in the tank.

18. In a liquefied petroleum gas dispensing systern, a container for burial in the ground to receive heat from the ground and adapted to receive a convectively circulating liquid therein. and a portion of a service conduit including a pressure reduction regulator disposed within the contour of the container below the nil level thereof where it will receive heat from the contents of the tank.

19. In a liqueiled petroleum gas dispensing system having a storage tank for storing liquened petroleum gas. an eduction and service conduit communicating with the tank and adapted to be connected in communication with a gas consuming appliance, a pressure reducing regulator in said service conduit and disposed within the conines of the tank.

20. In a liquefied petroleum gas dispensing system, a tank for storing liquefied petroleum gas and having a well carried by a wall thereof and disposed within the confines of the tank, a pressure reducing valve disposed in said well and having an inlet and an outlet, conduit means connecting the inlet to the interior of the tank, a second conduit means connected to said outlet and adapted to be connected in communication with a gas consuming appliance, said second conduit means having a. portion thereof disposed in said tank but not in communication with the interior thereof.

2l. In a liquefied petroleum gas dispensing system having a tank for storing llqueiled petroleum gas, said tank having a well carried by a wall thereof and disposed within the confines of the tank, a pressure reducing valve disposed in said well having an inlet, conduit means connecting the inlet to the interior of the tank, closure means for said well movable to permit access to the valve, said closure means being constructed to establish atmospheric pressure in said well and conining the iluid present in said well so that it may circulate convectively when the closure means is in place.

22. In a liquefied petroleum gas dispensing system. a tank adapted to be buried in the ground and constructed to receive a liqueiled petroleum gas to a predetermined level for storage and dispensing purposes, a well in the tank extending below said level, and service conduit means in communication with the tank including a regulator disposed in said well.

23. In a. liqueiied petroleum gas dispensing system, a tank constructed to receive a liquefied petroleum gas in both its liquid and vapor phases, a well in the tank having a wall extending below a predetermined liquid fill limit of the tank, and a service conduit including a. regulator disposed in said well, said regulator being in heat exchange contact with said wall.

24. In a liquefied petroleum gas dispensing system having a storage tank buried underground in heat exchange relationship with the surrounding earth and adapted to be illled from above the ground level, a walled compartment within the confines of the tank, a regulator therein, a withdrawal tube connecting one side of the regulator with the interior of the tank, a coil connected to the other side of the regulator and disposed in said tank, and means for connecting the coil to a gas consuming appliance.

25. In a liquefied petroleum gas vaporizing apparatus the combination of a tank buried underground to receive earth heat and having a body of liquid therein, and gas dispensing conduit means extending through said tank; said conduit means including a coil disposed in said tank in heat exchange relationship with the contents of the tank, a pressure reducing valve at the inlet of the coil and disposed within the confines of the tank to receive heat from the contents of the tank, a supply conduit for supplying liquefied petroleum gas in its liquid phase under pressure 2,4oo,seo

to the pressure reducing valve, said conduit means also including an element connected to the outlet of the coil and a low pressure regulator in said element, the lowest point in said conduit means carried by said housing connecting the inlet of the pressure reducing valve with the 1nterior of the tank, a second conduit means carried by said housing for connecting the outlet` means between said pressure reducing valve and of the pressure reducing valve in communication the regulator being disposed in said tank. with a gas consuming appliance.

26. In a iiqueiied petroleum gas dispensing sys- 2?. The apparatus as dencd in claim 26 in tem the combination of a tank having a hole in which the second conduit means extends through a wall thereof, a well-shaped housing secured in the tank and arranged to be in heat exchange said opening with the bottom o! the housing dis- 1 with the contents o! the tank but not in composed within the connes of the tank, a pressure munication with the contents of the tank. reducing valve disposed in the housing, conduit HAROLD Lu NORWAY.

Disclaimer 2,400,569.Harold L. Norway, Evanston,

dated Ma 21, 1946. Bastion-B essmg Company.

Disclaimer Ill. GAS DISPENsINo Dnvrcn. Patent filed Dec. 11, 1947, by the assignee, .Tfn7

Hereb enters disclaimer to claim 15, except when the regulator receives heat from liqu present in the tank.

[O yj'ic'ial Gazette January 6, 1.948.]

2,4oo,seo

to the pressure reducing valve, said conduit means also including an element connected to the outlet of the coil and a low pressure regulator in said element, the lowest point in said conduit means carried by said housing connecting the inlet of the pressure reducing valve with the 1nterior of the tank, a second conduit means carried by said housing for connecting the outlet` means between said pressure reducing valve and of the pressure reducing valve in communication the regulator being disposed in said tank. with a gas consuming appliance.

26. In a iiqueiied petroleum gas dispensing sys- 2?. The apparatus as dencd in claim 26 in tem the combination of a tank having a hole in which the second conduit means extends through a wall thereof, a well-shaped housing secured in the tank and arranged to be in heat exchange said opening with the bottom o! the housing dis- 1 with the contents o! the tank but not in composed within the connes of the tank, a pressure munication with the contents of the tank. reducing valve disposed in the housing, conduit HAROLD Lu NORWAY.

Disclaimer 2,400,569.Harold L. Norway, Evanston,

dated Ma 21, 1946. Bastion-B essmg Company.

Disclaimer Ill. GAS DISPENsINo Dnvrcn. Patent filed Dec. 11, 1947, by the assignee, .Tfn7

Hereb enters disclaimer to claim 15, except when the regulator receives heat from liqu present in the tank.

[O yj'ic'ial Gazette January 6, 1.948.] 

